Adaptations in the transformation of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz; Euphorbiaceae) for consumption in the dietary management of diabetes: the case of Palikur, or Parikwene People, from French Guiana
IntroductionIn the French overseas department of French Guiana, in South America, nutrition therapy for the management of diabetes is based on French guidelines. However, this region is demographically diverse and includes several populations of Indigenous Peoples, Parikwene among others, also calle...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2023-05-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Nutrition |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1061611/full |
| _version_ | 1797829038127972352 |
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| author | Michael Rapinski Michael Rapinski Alain Cuerrier Damien Davy |
| author_facet | Michael Rapinski Michael Rapinski Alain Cuerrier Damien Davy |
| author_sort | Michael Rapinski |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | IntroductionIn the French overseas department of French Guiana, in South America, nutrition therapy for the management of diabetes is based on French guidelines. However, this region is demographically diverse and includes several populations of Indigenous Peoples, Parikwene among others, also called Palikur. Due to socio-economical, cultural, and geographical differences, along with distinctions in the local food system, dietary recommendations, which many consider in the context of post-colonial power dynamics, are not well suited to local populations. In the absence of suitable recommendations, it is hypothesized that local populations will adapt their dietary practices considering diabetes as an emerging health problem.MethodsSeventy-five interviews were conducted with community members and Elders, as well as healthcare professionals and administrators providing services to the Parikwene population of Macouria and Saint-Georges de l’Oyapock communes. Data regarding the representation of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) consumption and diabetes were collected via semi-structured interviews and participant observation (i.e., observation and participation in community activities), namely via participating in activities related to the transformation of cassava tubers at swidden and fallow fields.Results and DiscussionParikwene have adapted the transformation of cassava tubers for their consumption in the management of diabetes.The importance of cassava tubers as a staple and core food to the Parikwene food system was established by identifying it as a cultural keystone species. Narratives illustrated conflicting perceptions regarding the implication of cassava consumption in the development of diabetes. Adaptations to the operational sequence involved in the transformation of cassava tubers led to the production of distinct cassava roasted semolina (i.e., couac), based on organoleptic properties (i.e., sweet, and acidic couac). Preferences for the consumption of acidic couac were grounded in the Parikwene knowledge system, as well as attention to diabetes related symptoms and glucometer readings.ConclusionThese results provide important insights related to knowledge, attitudes, and practices in developing locally and culturally adapted approaches to providing dietary recommendations in the treatment of diabetes. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-09T13:13:59Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-deb22f4f38784f81a0506b060117fd0f |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2296-861X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-09T13:13:59Z |
| publishDate | 2023-05-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Nutrition |
| spelling | doaj.art-deb22f4f38784f81a0506b060117fd0f2023-05-12T05:13:42ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Nutrition2296-861X2023-05-011010.3389/fnut.2023.10616111061611Adaptations in the transformation of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz; Euphorbiaceae) for consumption in the dietary management of diabetes: the case of Palikur, or Parikwene People, from French GuianaMichael Rapinski0Michael Rapinski1Alain Cuerrier2Damien Davy3Institut de Recherche en Biologie Végétale (IRBV), Université de Montréal, Jardin botanique de Montréal, Montréal, QC, CanadaUAR 3456 Laboratoire Ecologie, Evolution, Interactions des Systèmes Amazoniens (LEEISA), CNRS, Université de Guyane, IFREMER, Cayenne, French GuianaInstitut de Recherche en Biologie Végétale (IRBV), Université de Montréal, Jardin botanique de Montréal, Montréal, QC, CanadaUAR 3456 Laboratoire Ecologie, Evolution, Interactions des Systèmes Amazoniens (LEEISA), CNRS, Université de Guyane, IFREMER, Cayenne, French GuianaIntroductionIn the French overseas department of French Guiana, in South America, nutrition therapy for the management of diabetes is based on French guidelines. However, this region is demographically diverse and includes several populations of Indigenous Peoples, Parikwene among others, also called Palikur. Due to socio-economical, cultural, and geographical differences, along with distinctions in the local food system, dietary recommendations, which many consider in the context of post-colonial power dynamics, are not well suited to local populations. In the absence of suitable recommendations, it is hypothesized that local populations will adapt their dietary practices considering diabetes as an emerging health problem.MethodsSeventy-five interviews were conducted with community members and Elders, as well as healthcare professionals and administrators providing services to the Parikwene population of Macouria and Saint-Georges de l’Oyapock communes. Data regarding the representation of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) consumption and diabetes were collected via semi-structured interviews and participant observation (i.e., observation and participation in community activities), namely via participating in activities related to the transformation of cassava tubers at swidden and fallow fields.Results and DiscussionParikwene have adapted the transformation of cassava tubers for their consumption in the management of diabetes.The importance of cassava tubers as a staple and core food to the Parikwene food system was established by identifying it as a cultural keystone species. Narratives illustrated conflicting perceptions regarding the implication of cassava consumption in the development of diabetes. Adaptations to the operational sequence involved in the transformation of cassava tubers led to the production of distinct cassava roasted semolina (i.e., couac), based on organoleptic properties (i.e., sweet, and acidic couac). Preferences for the consumption of acidic couac were grounded in the Parikwene knowledge system, as well as attention to diabetes related symptoms and glucometer readings.ConclusionThese results provide important insights related to knowledge, attitudes, and practices in developing locally and culturally adapted approaches to providing dietary recommendations in the treatment of diabetes.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1061611/fulldiabetes – quality of lifePalikurFrench Guianacassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)nutrition therapyoperational sequence |
| spellingShingle | Michael Rapinski Michael Rapinski Alain Cuerrier Damien Davy Adaptations in the transformation of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz; Euphorbiaceae) for consumption in the dietary management of diabetes: the case of Palikur, or Parikwene People, from French Guiana Frontiers in Nutrition diabetes – quality of life Palikur French Guiana cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) nutrition therapy operational sequence |
| title | Adaptations in the transformation of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz; Euphorbiaceae) for consumption in the dietary management of diabetes: the case of Palikur, or Parikwene People, from French Guiana |
| title_full | Adaptations in the transformation of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz; Euphorbiaceae) for consumption in the dietary management of diabetes: the case of Palikur, or Parikwene People, from French Guiana |
| title_fullStr | Adaptations in the transformation of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz; Euphorbiaceae) for consumption in the dietary management of diabetes: the case of Palikur, or Parikwene People, from French Guiana |
| title_full_unstemmed | Adaptations in the transformation of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz; Euphorbiaceae) for consumption in the dietary management of diabetes: the case of Palikur, or Parikwene People, from French Guiana |
| title_short | Adaptations in the transformation of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz; Euphorbiaceae) for consumption in the dietary management of diabetes: the case of Palikur, or Parikwene People, from French Guiana |
| title_sort | adaptations in the transformation of cassava manihot esculenta crantz euphorbiaceae for consumption in the dietary management of diabetes the case of palikur or parikwene people from french guiana |
| topic | diabetes – quality of life Palikur French Guiana cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) nutrition therapy operational sequence |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1061611/full |
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